University of Texas at Dallas Established Academic Distinction Scholarship Valued at $80,000. US Women's Champion, WGM Anna Zatonskih, to Make Special Appearance.

Dallas, TX, Dec. 16, 2008 -- Kasparov Chess Foundation announced the Sixth Annual National All-Girls Chess Championships, to be in Dallas, TX, at the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion Blvd., April 24 - 26, 2008. The non-profit chess educational organization, founded by world chess champion Garry Kasparov, is hosting this year’s tournament in association with the Dallas Chess Club (DCC), University of Texas at Dallas, and the United States Chess Federation (USCF).

This year, as in previous years, the tournament welcomes girls from public, private and home-schools. Teams will compete within the following age categories: 8 years old and younger; 10 years old and younger; 12 years old and younger; 14 years old and younger; 16 years old and younger; 18 years old and younger.

As a special award, The University of Texas at Dallas, http://www.utdallas.edu, has established an Academic Distinction Scholarship for the winner of the 18 years old and younger section. The scholarship is valued at $80,000 for an out-of-state student. More information on the scholarship can be found at http://www.chess.utdallas.edu.

"This is the second consecutive year that we’re supporting the Kasparov Chess Foundation’s All Girls Nationals with a full scholarship," explained Dr. J. Michael Coleman, Dean of Undergraduate Education, University of Texas at Dallas. "Recruiting top women chess players is very supportive of university goals for innovative, transdisciplinary research and education in emerging areas of technology, science, math and engineering,” he added.

Trophies will be awarded to the top 15 individual players and top three teams in each section. Three or more players from the same school make up a team (team scores will be calculated based on the top 3 scores to give teams their final standings). All players will receive a souvenir medal to honor their participation.

Special Appearances by Anna Zatonskih
Two-Time US Women's Champion, 2004 and 2008 US Olympian medalist, WGM Anna Zatonskih, will perform a simultaneous exhibition against participants of the All Girls Nationals. The simultaneous exhibition will be held on Fri., April 24 at 7:00 P.M. at the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion Blvd. Anna will also be on hand throughout the tournament and at the awards ceremony.

As a special offer to all competitors and their guests, the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion Blvd. will offer a guaranteed Chess rate of $109 if reservations are made by April 1, 2009. For reservations, call (800) 233-1234 or (214) 651-1234.

Side Events
In addition to the main competition, several side events will be taking place. Following is the schedule of side events:

Blitz Tournament G/5
Friday April April 24, 3:00 PM
Entry fee: $15 if p/m by March 26, $25 on site

Bughouse Tournament
Friday April April 24, 5:00 PM
Entry fee: $25 per team

Enter Early and Save
The competition is now accepting entry applications for participants. Entry fee: $45 through March 25th, and $70 on-site. All participants are required to be members of the US Chess Federation (USCF), www.uschess.org. Applicants can either register online by visiting www.dallaschess.com/2009natgirls or www.kasparovchessfoundation.org, or via mail. Make checks payable to Dallas Chess Club:
Attn: Barbara Swafford
2709 Longhorn Trail, Crowley TX 76036;
Tel. (214) 632-9000; info@dallaschess.com

About Kasparov Chess Foundation
Founded by World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov, KCF's mission is to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children throughout the United States by providing a complete chess curriculum and enrichment programs. The Foundation promotes the study of chess as a cognitive learning tool in curricular classes and after-school programs for elementary, middle and high schools, both in the public and private school sectors. The not-for-profit educational organization also organizes tournaments and competitions on a local and national basis. For more information, please visit http://www.kasparovchessfoundation.org.

About Dallas Chess Club
The Dallas Chess Club is one of the most active chess clubs in the United States and maintains an excellent dedicated facility in North Dallas. Within the club we have a number of educational resources, including a chess library and a club computer that contains all the latest chess software for members' use. We feature USCF-rated tournaments Wednesday and Friday nights and usually on weekends. We also have regular lectures and lessons by National Masters and FIDE Masters. For more information, please see www.dallaschess.com.

About UT Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor. The school's freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. With an enrollment of approximately 15,000, UT Dallas has built a national reputation as a dynamic research institution on the cutting edge of science, technology, medicine, business, policy sciences and the arts. The University offers a broad assortment of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. For additional information about UT Dallas, please visit the University's website at http://www.utdallas.edu.

About The USCF
The United States Chess Federation, founded in 1939, serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and is devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. It promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, and as a means for the improvement of society. The USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization with more than 90,000 members. For more information, please see http://www.uschess.org.